
If you're planning a trip to Canada, you'll need to make sure you have the right documents. A passport is the only universally accepted form of identification and all international travellers must carry acceptable identification when entering Canada. However, there are some alternative forms of ID that can be used, depending on your country of origin and your mode of transport.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Passport required | Yes, for all international travel to Canada. |
Exceptions | US citizens can use a valid US passport. |
Other accepted documents | Canadian emergency travel document, Canadian temporary passport, CANPASS authorisation, Commercial driver registration program card, FAST card, NEXUS card, Canadian citizenship card, Canadian permanent residence card, Certificate of Canadian citizenship, Provincial or territorial documents, Canadian Forces identification, Employment or student card with photo and signature, Police identification, Firearms acquisition certificate, Vehicle insurance certificate, etc. |
Border checks | A border services officer will determine whether you can enter Canada by confirming your identity and citizenship. |
Airline requirements | Airlines may require travellers to present a passport before boarding. |
Name on passport | The name on the ID must match the name on the airline ticket and boarding pass. |
What You'll Learn
Identification requirements for Canadian citizens
Canadian citizens are advised to carry a valid Canadian passport when travelling outside of Canada, as it is the only universally accepted identification document and proves their right to return to Canada. It is also the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for international travel.
However, there are some alternative forms of identification that can be used when entering Canada as a Canadian citizen. These include:
- Canadian emergency travel document
- Canadian temporary passport
- CANPASS authorisation
- Commercial driver registration program card
- FAST card (Free and Secure Trade)
- NEXUS card
- Citizenship and immigration documents
- Canadian permanent residence card
- Canadian citizenship card
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship (issued from 1954 to the present)
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship (large form issued between January 1, 1947, to February 14, 1977)
- Certificate of retention (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977)
- Certificate of naturalisation (issued before January 1, 1947)
- Registration of birth abroad certificate (issued between January 1, 1947, and February 14, 1977, by Canadian citizenship authorities)
- Provincial or territorial documents
- Birth certificate (for individuals born in Canada)
- Enhanced driver's license
- Enhanced identification/photo card
- Health insurance card
- Vehicle registration
- Other valid documents
- Canadian Forces identification
- Employment or student card with photo and signature
- Police identification
- Firearms acquisition certificate
- Secure Certificate of Indian Status (SCIS) card or Certificate of Indian Status (CIS) card
- Vehicle insurance certificate
It is important to note that the NEXUS card can be used for air, land, or sea transportation, but the passport card can only be used for land or sea travel between the US and Canada.
When checking in for a flight, valid government-issued identification documents including name, date of birth, and gender may be required. At the boarding gate, each passenger must present valid government-issued identification that includes their full name and date of birth. The name on the ID must match the name used on the reservation or ticket, and the passenger must resemble the photo on their ID.
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Identification requirements for US citizens
US citizens must carry proof of citizenship when travelling to Canada. A valid US passport is the only reliable and universally accepted form of identification and proof of citizenship when travelling abroad. However, there are some alternative documents that can be used to enter Canada as an American citizen.
Passport
The standard document for international travel, a valid US passport is required for US citizens travelling to Canada by air, land, or sea. This includes when entering Canada by boat or train.
Passport Card
A passport card includes information about the carrier, such as full name, nationality, place of birth, gender, issue date, expiration date, a unique identification number, and a photo. However, it is only accepted for land or sea travel between the US and Canada and is not valid for international flights.
NEXUS Card
The NEXUS program, jointly administered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. The NEXUS card can be used for air, land, or sea transportation.
Enhanced Driver's License (EDL)
Some US states offer EDLs, which can be used in place of a passport for travel to Canada by car. These states include Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
Permanent Resident Card
A valid permanent resident card issued by the US is accepted as proof of status in the country.
Other Documents
Other acceptable documents for US citizens travelling to Canada include any document referred to in subsection 50(1) or 52(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations.
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Identification requirements for permanent Canadian residents
Permanent Canadian residents are required to carry proper identification when travelling and attempting to enter Canada. While Canadian citizens can use their Canadian passport as a universally accepted form of identification, permanent residents have a few more considerations to keep in mind. Here are the identification requirements for permanent Canadian residents:
When Travelling to Canada
For international travel, permanent residents of Canada must carry a valid passport and proof of permanent residence. This could include a Permanent Resident Card (PR card), which serves as an identification and travel document for Canadian permanent residents. The PR card is especially important when travelling to Canada by commercial carrier (flight, bus, etc.). In addition, permanent residents may need a travel authorization, such as a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), to enter Canada. It is important to research the specific requirements for the country of origin.
Identification Documents
If a permanent resident does not have a Canadian passport, there are several other acceptable documents that can be used to denote identity and/or citizenship. These include:
- Canadian emergency travel document
- Canadian temporary passport
- CANPASS authorization
- Commercial driver registration program card
- FAST card (Free and Secure Trade)
- NEXUS card
- Citizenship and immigration documents (e.g., Canadian permanent residence card, Canadian citizenship card)
- Provincial or territorial documents (e.g., birth certificate, enhanced driver's license, health insurance card)
- Other valid documents (e.g., Canadian Forces identification, employment or student card with photo and signature)
Additional Considerations
It is important to note that permanent residents must meet the residency obligation of a minimum of 730 days in every five years to maintain their status and renew their PR cards. Additionally, permanent residents outside of Canada cannot apply for a PR card from abroad. If they wish to travel to Canada without a valid PR card, they must apply for a single-use Permanent Resident Travel Document (PRTD) from a Canadian diplomatic office.
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Identification requirements for international visitors
International visitors to Canada must carry acceptable identification when entering the country. A valid passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when travelling abroad. However, there are some alternative forms of identification that can be used to enter Canada.
Passport
A valid passport is the standard document for international travel. It is recommended that Canadian citizens always travel with a valid Canadian passport. The name on the passport must match the name on the airline ticket and boarding pass. The passport must be in good condition and not damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Some countries require that your passport be valid for three or six months beyond your date of return.
NEXUS Card
The NEXUS program, jointly administered by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), offers expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travellers. The NEXUS card can be used for air, land, or sea transportation.
Passport Card
The passport card includes information about the carrier, including full name, nationality, place of birth, gender, issue date, expiration date, a unique identification number, and a photo. However, it looks more like a driver's license and is only accepted for land or sea travel between the United States and Canada. It is not accepted as a form of identification for international flights.
Enhanced Driver's License
Some U.S. states offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses, which can be used in place of a passport for travel to Canada by car. Enhanced Driver's Licenses are available in Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington.
Permanent Resident Card
A valid Permanent Resident Card issued by the United States is accepted as a form of identification for entry into Canada.
Other Documents
Other acceptable documents that support identity and/or citizenship include:
- Canadian emergency travel document
- Canadian temporary passport
- CANPASS authorisation, held by a Canadian citizen
- Commercial driver registration program card, held by a Canadian citizen
- Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card, held by a Canadian citizen
- Citizenship and immigration documents
- Canadian citizenship card
- Certificate of Canadian citizenship
- Provincial or territorial documents, such as a birth certificate
- Health insurance card
- Vehicle insurance certificate
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Identification requirements for children
When travelling with children, it is important to carry proper identification for each child. The identification requirements for children will depend on how they are travelling to Canada, and whether they are travelling alone or with a parent or guardian.
If entering Canada by air, all passengers, including children, must carry a valid passport book. This is the only universally accepted identification document and it proves that the holder has the right to return to Canada. Children under the age of 16 can sign their own passports, but if they do not, the signature block on page 3 must be left blank. If a parent or guardian signs on behalf of the child, the passport will be invalid. If a child does not have a passport, they may be able to use other documents to prove their identity and citizenship, such as a Canadian citizenship card or a birth certificate. However, it is recommended that children carry a valid Canadian passport when travelling or living abroad.
If entering Canada by sea, the requirements depend on the type of cruise. For standard cruises that start or end at a non-US port, all passengers, including children, must have valid passport books. For closed-loop cruises that start and end at US ports, children may be able to board with their birth, citizenship, or naturalization certificates alone, although some cruise lines may require children to have valid passport books.
If entering Canada by road, children do not need passport books and can use their birth, naturalization, or citizenship certificates instead.
If a child is travelling alone, they should present a copy of their birth certificate and a letter of authorization, in English or French if possible, which is signed by both parents or their legal guardian. This letter should include the parents' or legal guardian's address and telephone number, as well as the name, address, and telephone number of the adult who will look after the child in Canada.
If a child is travelling with only one parent, the parent should present the child's passport, a copy of the child's birth certificate, and a letter of authorization signed by the other parent, including a photocopy of that parent's signed passport or national identity card. If the parents are separated or divorced and share custody, the travelling parent should carry copies of the legal custody documents and a letter of authorization from the other parent. If the parents are divorced and one has sole custody, they should bring a copy of the custody decree. If one of the child's parents is deceased, the travelling parent should bring a copy of the death certificate.
If a child is travelling with a legal guardian or adoptive parents, they should carry a copy of the guardianship or adoption papers. If the child is travelling with someone other than their parents or legal guardian, the adult should have written permission from the parents or guardians, including addresses and telephone numbers. While this letter does not need to be certified, it is highly recommended, as the child will not be admitted to Canada if the border officer is not convinced that the parents or legal guardian have authorized their stay.
In addition to the above requirements, it is recommended that children carry supporting identification, such as a photocopy of their birth or citizenship certificate, divorce papers, consent letters, custody documents, or a death certificate if one or both parents are deceased. This will help prove the child's citizenship, residency, and the custodial and decision-making rights of the accompanying adult when returning to Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, a passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document when travelling abroad.
If you are a US citizen, you can use a passport card, a NEXUS card, or an Enhanced Driver's License. These documents are only accepted for land or sea travel between the US and Canada and will not be accepted as identification for international flights.
All travellers must complete a declaration. If you are travelling with children, you should bring copies of their legal custody documents.
You must show one piece of valid, non-expired, government-issued identification with a photo, full name, date of birth, and gender.